Managing Test Access Codes for Students With Accommodations

When an instructor uses an access code on a test in Blackboard Ultra, every student must enter that same code to begin the test. This can unintentionally create barriers for accessibility students that require extended time or alternate testing windows. As an alternative, consider removing the access code for students with accommodations to avoid complications and ensure equitable access.

When to Use?

When an instructor uses an access code on a test in Blackboard Ultra, every student must enter that same code to begin the test. This can unintentionally create barriers for accessibility students that require extended time or alternate testing windows, because:

• Access codes are applied universally to the test — not per individual student.
• Even if you set up an accommodation using Blackboard’s exceptions, students still cannot begin the test without the instructor or proctor manually providing the access code.
• This undermines automated access, especially in remote settings where students are supposed to test independently at a different time or under different conditions.
• It puts an extra burden on instructors or support staff to manage who gets the code and when — increasing the risk of mistakes or delays.

Best Practices

If you're using access codes for in-person proctored exams, consider removing the access code for students with accommodations to avoid complications and ensure equitable access.
A practical workaround is to create a duplicate version of the test without the access code and assign it only to students with accommodations.

Procedure

Step 1: Set the Access Code for the General Class

If you're using an access code for in-person proctoring, you can still apply it for the main group of students:

• Go to the Test Settings.
• Enable "Access Code" and take note of the generated access code.

Step 2: Duplicate the Test for Accommodated Students

• Go to the Course Content area.
• Click the Create Content icon and select “Copy Content”.
• On the Copy Items page navigate to your course, click into the Content folder, select the test and click “Start Copy”.
• Open the settings for the duplicated test:
  • Remove the Access Code
  • Adjust the availability dates and timing (e.g., extended time)
• Under “Release Conditions”, use “Add Users and Groups” to assign the test only to the accommodated student(s).
• (Optional) Rename the test to reflect its purpose, such as:
  • "Exam 1 – Accommodated Version"
• Leave the original test (with the access code) available for the rest of the class.

Step 3: Test the Setup (Optional but Recommended)

Use Student Preview mode to check:

• Whether the test is accessible without the code.
• That time extensions and availability windows are properly applied.

Important Notes

• Make sure both versions of the test are identical in content (unless intentionally different).
• Double-check the Gradebook to ensure that the test grade calculations are configured correctly.
• Communicate clearly with the accommodated student(s) so they know which test to take.